Video

Seeing the Unseen: The Challenges of Coarse Gold Sampling & Analysis

What happens when the gold you can’t see is the gold that matters most? In this deep-dive technical discussion, Dr Simon Dominy, Dr Naomi Potter, and Dr James Tickner explore the critical challenges of coarse gold sampling and analysis — and why traditional assay methods may be under-reporting your grade.

What you’ll learn

  • Why coarse gold is often underestimated—and the risks it poses to sampling accuracy

  • The difference between coarse gold and gravity recoverable gold

  • Real-world implications of the nugget effect on block models and resource estimation

  • The limitations of fire assay and pulverisation in high-nugget deposits

  • How PhotonAssay™ transforms coarse gold analysis with high-mass, non-destructive testing

  • Strategies to reduce sample preparation errors and improve turnaround time

Chapters

  • 0:47 What is coarse gold and how common is it?
  • 2:17 How do I account for coarse gold in my sampling?
  • 4:25 Doesn't pulverising fix everything?
  • 6:19 How do I avoid contamination in the lab?
  • 6:44 Should I crush or pulverise my samples?
  • 7:18 How does PhotonAssay™ account for coarse gold?
  • 8:55 How do "Het" Flags support accuracy in disseminated deposits?

Related Resources

You might also find useful

Geologist in orange hi-vis handling a drill core sample at a rig site, placing it into a sample tray as part of PhotonAssay™ process
Journal Article

Application of PhotonAssay™ to Coarse-Gold Mineralisation – The Importance of Rig to Assay Optimisation

Why sampling — not assaying — is often the biggest source of error in coarse gold.

Dr Naomi Potter, Dr Simon Dominy, and Dr James Tickner in discussion in front of PhotonAssay™ unit at Chrysos Corporation headquarters
Video

Improving Data Quality for Gold Miners with PhotonAssay™

Can poor sampling decisions cost you your project? Dr Simon Dominy, Dr Naomi Potter, and Dr James Tickner on how assay precision and sampling strategy directly impact resource models, reconciliation, and project NPV.

PhotonAssay™ 1408X unit installed inside a facility, showing the full system with Chrysos Corporation branding
Presentation

Introduction to PhotonAssay™

A clear introduction to how PhotonAssay™ works and what it changes in your mining project.

Get In Touch